Suffolk Cadets Shine at the 2026 Suffolk Show

May half term saw Suffolk Army Cadet Force once again play a key role at the annual Suffolk Show, providing valuable support to organisers while giving cadets an excellent opportunity to develop community engagement skills and enjoy one of the county’s biggest events.

Held over two days and attracting around 85,000 visitors, the Suffolk Show is one of the region’s most prestigious events. Founded by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, the show is now in its 195th year and continues to celebrate the very best of agriculture, livestock, equestrian competitions, local businesses, and family entertainment.

As in previous years, Suffolk ACF supported the event through car parking duties and stewarding responsibilities across the showground. Cadets and adult volunteers worked alongside organisers to help ensure the smooth running of the event, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and commitment throughout.

Cadet Recruitment

The Suffolk ACF recruitment stand in the Military Zone proved to be a popular attraction with visitors of all ages. Visitors were able to enjoy camouflage face painting, try on fieldcraft equipment, and handle unloaded paintball markers. The standout attraction was undoubtedly the Battack reaction machine, where participants tested their speed and reflexes by touching illuminated targets as quickly as possible. The competition became particularly exciting when one of Suffolk ACF’s cadets challenged a representative from 158 Squadron and emerged victorious, much to the delight of those watching.

Trailer Dressing

Another highlight of the show was the trailer dressing competition for youth organisations. Introduced by Brigadier Van Der Lande CBE DL, Chair of the Cadets and Youth Engagement Committee, the competition encourages cadet organisations to showcase their creativity and teamwork. Suffolk ACF embraced the challenge by constructing a Viking longboat complete with an impressive dragon-headed prow. Named “Lumberdrake” in recognition of Suffolk’s rich history, the project gave cadets the opportunity to learn practical skills including measuring, sawing, and assembling wooden planks while working together towards a common goal.

Honorary Awards

The Suffolk Show also provided the perfect setting for recognising outstanding achievement within the organisation. Honorary Colonel Commendation Awards were presented to Cadet Corporal Andrews-Pearce, Cadet Corporal Lamb, and Captain Ord, who currently serves as the Area Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO) Officer. These awards recognise exceptional dedication, commitment, and the consistent demonstration of the values upheld by Suffolk Army Cadet Force.

To bring the event to a close, cadets and adult volunteers joined members of the other cadet services in a parade on the main show field, marking the end of another successful Suffolk Show. The parade provided a fitting conclusion to two busy days of service, learning, and envolvimento da comunidade.

Congratulations to all the cadets who took part and represented Suffolk ACF so positively throughout the event. A sincere thank you also goes to the adult volunteers whose support and dedication made another memorable Suffolk Show possible.